Daily Readings - Tue Nov 08 2022
Titus
1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.3Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.6Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.7Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,8and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Luke
7"Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'?8Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'?9Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?10So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the call to live a life of integrity, humility, and service. The first reading from Titus emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and virtuous living. St. Paul exhorts the early Christian community to live in a way that reflects the grace of God, with older men and women setting an example of prudence, faith, and love. Younger men are urged to self-restraint and integrity, while all are called to good works and a life of piety. This passage underscores the transformative power of God’s grace, which enables us to reject worldly desires and live justly and soberly as we await the hope of eternal life.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with a parable about a servant and his master. Jesus challenges us to embrace humility and recognize that our service to God is not about seeking praise or reward but about fulfilling our duty as His disciples. When we have done all that is required of us, we should not expect gratitude but rather acknowledge that we are merely doing what is expected. This teaching humbles us, reminding us that our efforts, no matter how great, are always a response to God’s prior gift of grace.
Reflecting on these readings, we are called to live with integrity and humility in our daily lives. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are to be examples of virtue and love, not for our own glory but for the sake of God’s kingdom. Let us approach our responsibilities with gratitude, recognizing that everything we do is a response to the boundless grace of our Savior. In doing so, we grow in holiness and become the kind of people who bring light and hope to a world in need.